Deadbolt installation and upgrades
Last reviewed June 2026 · Swift Key San Diego
A properly installed deadbolt with a 3-inch strike-plate screw reinforcement is the single best security upgrade you can make to a home. We install new deadbolts on doors that don't have one, upgrade builder-grade to Grade-1 hardware, and cut the door when a bore hole isn't there yet. Most installs run 30 to 45 minutes.
What's included in this service?
- Install new deadbolts on doors without one (full door prep)
- Upgrade builder-grade deadbolts to ANSI Grade-1 or Grade-2
- Install 3" screw strike plates (replaces factory 3/4" screws)
- Add a second deadbolt to sliding glass doors or French doors
- Install double-cylinder deadbolts (where fire code permits)
- Electronic deadbolt and smart deadbolt installation
When do you need this service?
- Door has a knob lock only, no deadbolt
- Current deadbolt is wobbly, loose, or old
- Recent break-in attempt or neighborhood concern
- Moving in and want to start with new, keyed-alike hardware
- Upgrading insurance premiums (some policies credit Grade-1 deadbolts)
- Adding security to rental property between tenants
What do homeowners ask about Deadbolts?
What brand of deadbolt should I install?
For ANSI Grade-1: Schlage B60/B62 series, Medeco Maxum, Mul-T-Lock Hercular. For ANSI Grade-2: Kwikset 980/985, Schlage B250. Avoid builder-grade Kwikset 600-series and anything Grade-3 on an exterior door. We'll match the finish to your existing hardware.
Is a Grade-1 deadbolt actually safer than Grade-3?
Yes, measurably. Grade-1 survives 10 impact strikes from a 100-lb load; Grade-3 fails at 2. The cylinder pick-resistance difference is even bigger. But hardware alone doesn't protect you, the strike plate and door frame matter as much. We upgrade all three.
Can you install a deadbolt on a door that doesn't have one?
Yes. We bore the 2-1/8" face hole and 1" edge hole for the bolt, mortise the strike on the frame, and install. On fiberglass and metal doors this takes a bit longer. On solid wood doors we can usually do it in 45 minutes.
Should I use a smart deadbolt or a traditional one?
Depends on the use case. Traditional deadbolts are more reliable long-term, fewer moving parts, no batteries, no firmware. Smart deadbolts are convenient for Airbnb hosts, rentals with contractors, and busy households with teens. Many customers install one smart (keypad) on the main door and traditional on secondary doors.
Where do we offer Deadbolts in San Diego County?
We provide deadbolts in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See deadbolts in all 67 cities
Homeowners who hired us for this
Examples of the kind of feedback we work to earn on every job. Verified reviews from real customers live on our Google Business Profile and Yelp pages.
Locked keys in the car at Target parking lot on a Sunday afternoon. Called and the tech was there in 25 minutes. Used some kind of inflatable wedge and a rod, no damage to the door. Paid what they quoted, no surprises.
Just bought our first house and wanted all the locks rekeyed. Four doors, keyed alike, done in under an hour. The tech explained everything and even showed us how a rekey works. Way cheaper than replacing all the locks like we thought.
My late father's safe had been sitting locked for ten years, we had no combination. Swift Key opened it non-destructively, then helped me change the combo so I could actually use it. Took about 90 minutes. Professional and careful with the safe.
Need deadbolts in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.